Portable computing device and method for asset management in a logistics system

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for tracking one or more items. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for tracking one or more items. The device may include a plurality of sensors for detecting light, temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration. The device may also include a memory for storing information received from the plurality of sensors.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/565,738,filed Aug. 2, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/566,876, filed Sep. 25, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,239,169issued on Aug. 7, 2012), all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods fortracking items. More particularly, the present invention relates tosystems and methods for tracking items using a sensor device.

BACKGROUND

Asset management has always been an important part of commerce. Forexample, tracking packages is important to organizations of all kinds,whether it be a company keeping track of inventory to be sold in itsstores, or a package delivery provider keeping track of packages beingtransported through its delivery network. To provide quality service, anorganization typically creates and maintains a highly organized networkfor tracking its packages. Effective management of such networks allowslower cost, reduced delivery time, and enhanced customer service.

In addition to tracking packages, parties that ship and receive packagesmay also need information regarding the conditions of the packages suchas the temperature and humidity of the package. For example, a customerthat has ordered a box of wine may want to monitor the temperature ofthe contents of the box to determine if the temperature and/or humiditygoes above or below a set range. Likewise, the party that ships thepackage may also want to monitor the conditions of the package to ensurethat the content arrives in the proper condition.

Technological advances have enabled items to be tracked in ways that farexceed the functionality of a simple list. A rich information frameworknow can be applied to describe the item's interaction with itssurroundings, such as transportation and custodial handoffs.

Bar codes are one way organizations keep track of items. A retailer, forexample, may use bar codes on items in its inventory. For example, itemsto be sold in a retailer's store may each be labeled with a differentbar code. In order to keep track of inventory, the retailer typicallyscans the bar code on each item. In addition, when an item is sold to aconsumer, the bar code for that item is scanned.

Similarly, a package delivery provider may utilize bar codes byassociating a bar code with packages to be delivered to a recipient. Forexample, a package may have a bar code corresponding to a trackingnumber for that package. Each time the package goes through a checkpoint(e.g., the courier taking initial control of the package, the packagebeing placed in a storage facility, the package being delivered to therecipient, etc.), the package's bar code may be scanned. Bar codes,however, have the disadvantage that personnel must manually scan eachbar code on each item in order to effectively track the items.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are an improvement overtypical bar codes. RFID tags do not require manual scanning that isrequired by typical bar codes. For example, in a retail context, an RFIDtag on an inventory item may be able to communicate with an electronicreader that detects items in a shopping cart and adds the cost of eachitem to a bill for the consumer. RFID tags have also been used to trackthings such as livestock, railroad cars, trucks, and even airlinebaggage. These tags typically only allow for basic tracking and do notprovide a way to improve asset management using information about theenvironment in which the items are tracked.

Sensor-based tracking systems are also known which can provide moreinformation than RFID systems. Such systems, however, can be expensive,and may provide extraneous and redundant item information.

Shippers, carriers, recipients, and other parties often wish to know thelocation, condition, and integrity of shipments before, during, andafter transport to satisfy quality control goals, meet regulatoryrequirements, and optimize business processes. To address theserequirements, a system is needed that may monitor data regardingshipments and present this data to a user in real-time or nearreal-time.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a device for tracking oneor more items. The device may include a plurality of sensors fordetecting light, temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration. Thedevice may also include a memory for storing information received fromthe plurality of sensors.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments and aspects ofthe present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary sensor device consistent with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a three dimensional view of an exemplary sensor deviceconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a three dimensional view of an exemplary sensor deviceconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary circuit board used with a sensordevice consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an exemplary circuit board used with a sensordevice consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computing system that can be used toimplement embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for tracking itemsconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.While several exemplary embodiments and features are described herein,modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to thecomponents illustrated in the drawings, and the exemplary methodsdescribed herein may be modified by substituting, reordering or addingsteps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detaileddescription does not limit the invention. Instead, the proper scope ofthe invention is defined by the appended claims.

Device Architecture

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary sensor device 100. Asdepicted in FIG. 1, sensor device 100 may comprise a body that surroundsand protects internal operational components. The body may include awall formed from a plastic material that permits wirelesscommunications. The wireless communications may, for example, becellular communications and/or low-power wireless mesh networkingcommunications.

The body of sensor device 100 may be formed from a variety of plasticscombinations that may include, for example, metals, metal alloys,plastics, ceramics or a combination of metals, metal alloys, plastics,ceramics. The body may also include an over-molding that surroundssensor device 100 at the point where the top and bottom housingcomponents come together to create a seam. This aids in providing both amoisture seal and an impact protection guard for the unit.

Sensor device 100 may also include numerous light sensor lenses. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, sensor device 100 may include light sensor lenses110 and 120. As illustrated in FIG. 4, light sensors 320 and 330 may becovered by light sensor lenses 110 and 120, respectively. Light sensorlenses 110 and 120 may allow light to travel through the lens fordetection by light sensors as explained in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Sensor device 100 may be generally rectangular in shape and may includea nose portion on one side. The nose portion may include sensor port130. Sensor port 130 may include numerous ports that allow the detectionof pressure, temperature, and humidity. As illustrated in FIG. 4, sensor310 and sensor 315 may be covered by sensor port 130 and sensor port 130may allow pressure, temperature, and humidity to flow through the portsfor detection by sensor 310 and sensor 315. For example, temperature andpressure may be detected by sensor 310, and temperature and humidity maybe detected by sensor 315. Moreover, a single sensor may detectpressure, temperature, and humidity. Conversely, three sensors may existand each sensor may detect one of pressure, temperature, and humidity.One of ordinary skill would appreciate that any combination of sensorsmay be used to detect pressure, temperature, and humidity or any otherfeatures as desired.

Sensor port 130 may be placed in the nose portion of sensor device 100to insulate sensor port 130 from any heat that may be generated from theinternal components. Sensor device 100 may include a battery, at leastone microcontroller, a global positioning system module, and one or moretransceivers as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. When in use, thesecomponents may generate heat, and the generated heat may interfere withthe readings detected by sensor 310 and sensor 315. Therefore, sensorport 130 may be located within a nose portion of sensor device 100 tominimize or eliminate the effect that the internal components may haveon sensor readings.

In addition to locating sensor port 130 in the nose portion of sensordevice 100, additional measures may be taken to ensure that any heatfrom the internal components does not effect sensor readings. Forexample, within the body of sensor device 100, a wall may exist thatacts to separate sensor port 130 from the internal components of sensordevice 100 (not shown). For example, the wall may be placed betweensensor port 130 and the internal components. The wall may be transparentand may block the heat that is generated by the internal components fromreaching sensor port 130. This may help to ensure that sensor 310 andsensor 315 housed within sensor port 130 only detect data external tosensor device 100 and do not detect any heat from the internalcomponents.

Sensor device 100 may also include status and power indicators 140.These indicators may each include a light emitting diode (LED). The LEDcorresponding to the power indicator may light up when sensor device 100is in operation. In addition, the LED corresponding to the statusindicator may light up during any number of operations including, forexample, when sensor device 100 is on, when sensor device 100 isreceiving data, or when sensor device 100 is transmitting data. One ofordinary skill would appreciate that a liquid crystal display (LCD),touch screen, or any combination of an LED, LCD, and touch screen may beimplemented as status and power indicators 140.

Sensor device 100 may include numerous electrical components that mayprovide computing operations for sensor device 100. These components mayinclude one or more microprocessors, a flash file system, Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), a battery, a circuit board, awireless modem, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, and variousinput/output (I/O) support circuitry. In addition to the above, othercircuitry may also include integrated chips for wireless mesh networkcommunications and digital and/or analog sensors.

FIG. 2 illustrates a three dimensional view of sensor device 100. Asdepicted in FIG. 2, sensor device 100 may include a power switch 210that turns sensor device 100 on and off. Power switch 210 may bephysically recessed from the body of sensor device 100 to preventaccidental triggering by a user. According to one embodiment, powerswitch 210 may be spring-loaded and monetarily pressed for on and offoperations. According to another embodiment, power switch 210 maybe bepressed and held for a predetermined period of time before an “on” or“off” command is registered with the internal components. This period oftime may be any appropriate amount of time such as, for example, fiveseconds. One of ordinary skill would appreciate that predeterminedperiod of time may be any amount of time that is sufficient to indicateto the internal components that an operator of sensor device 100 isturning the device on or off.

Sensor device 100 may also include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 211for charging sensor device 100. In addition, sensor device 100 may alsoinclude external contacts 212 and 213 for charging sensor device 100 viaa cradle or other type of external charging device.

Sensor device 100 also includes light sensors lenses 110 and 120. Inaddition, sensor device 100 may also include light sensor lens 220,which is located on the bottom portion of sensor device 100. FIG. 2 alsoillustrates sensor port 130. FIG. 2 also illustrates status and powerindicators 140.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a three dimensional view of sensor device 100.As depicted in FIG. 3, sensor device 100 may include light sensor lenses110 and 220, as previously illustrated, and light sensor lens 230.Sensor device 100 may also include a battery door 240 that may be openedand closed as needed to remove and change the battery. The battery maybe any appropriate type of battery including, for example, arechargeable lithium polymer battery cell.

Accordingly, sensor device 100 may include a total of four light sensorlenses and four corresponding light sensors. One of ordinary skill wouldappreciate that when sensor device 100 is placed in a package, it may beplaced in many different orientations. For example, sensor device 100may be placed on top of the content of the package. It may also beplaced between the content of the package and one of the sides of thepackage. It may also be placed under the content of the package.Therefore, by including four lights sensors lenses and four lightsensors, the location of sensor device 100 within the package is notcritical. Sensor device 100 may detect a change in the amount of lightwithin the package regardless of the location of sensor device 100 incomparison to the content of the package. This may result in greaterdetection of light change and may also eliminate the need for the userof sensor device 100 to place the device in a specific location of thepackage.

FIG. 4 includes a circuit board 300 of sensor device 100 that containsnumerous components. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of circuit board 300.Circuit board 300 may include sensor 310 and sensor 315. As previouslystated, sensor 310 and sensor 315 may be covered by sensor port 130, andsensor port 130 may allow pressure, temperature, and humidity to flowthrough the ports for detection by sensor 310 and sensor 315. Forexample, temperature and pressure may be detected by sensor 310, andtemperature and humidity may be detected by sensor 315. Moreover, asingle sensor may detect pressure, temperature, and humidity.Conversely, three sensors may exist and each sensor may detect one ofpressure, temperature, and humidity. One of ordinary skill wouldappreciate that any combination of sensors may be used to detectpressure, temperature, and humidity or any other features as desired.

Circuit board 300 may also include light sensors 320 and 330. Inoperation, light sensor lenses 110 and 120 may allow light to passtherethrough. This light is then detected by light sensors 320 and 330.Light sensors 320 and 330 may detect the amount of light within apackage that contains sensor device 100 and changes in the amount oflight. For example, if the package that contains sensor device 100 isopened, light sensors 320 and 330 may detect a change in the amount oflight that indicates that the packages has been opened.

Circuit board 300 may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS)antenna 340, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 350, and alow-power microprocessor 360. GPS antenna 340 may receive signals from aGPS satellite, and the received signals are used by a GPS module (notshown). The GPS module may be a stand-alone unit or a component ofanother internal component. SIM card 350 may store the authenticationinformation to allow sensor device 100 to authenticate with network 408,as illustrated in FIG. 6. Low-power microprocessor 360 may be alow-power, wireless module containing a microcontroller. Circuit board300 may also include a Global System for Mobile (GSM) wirelesscommunications antenna 370.

Circuit board 300 may also include a connector 365. Connector 365 mayprovide a connection to a battery (not shown) that is placed withinsensor device 100. The battery may provide the power for operating theelectrical components housed within sensor device 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of circuit board 300. As depicted inFIG. 5, circuit board 300 may also include light sensors 380 and 385. Inaddition, circuit board 300 may also include accelerometer 390.Accelerometer 390 may detect a change in the velocity of sensor device100. For example, if sensor device 100 is located in a package, and thepackage is located in a parked car, accelerometer 390 would not detect achange in velocity. However, when the car starts moving, accelerometer390 would sense the corresponding change in velocity.

Circuit board 300 may also include a high-power microprocessor 395 thatmay be a high-power, wireless module containing a microcontroller.High-power microprocessor 395 may store the pressure, temperature,humidity, and acceleration data that is detected by sensor 310, sensor315, and accelerometer 390. In addition, high-power microprocessor 395may also store data regarding light detected by light sensors 320 and330. Moreover, high-power microprocessor 395 may also store the dataregarding light detected by light sensors 380 and 385.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, circuit board 300 may include sevensensors 310, 315, 320, 330, 380, 385, and 390. According to oneembodiment, light sensor 320 is located on the top portion of circuitboard 300 and light sensor 380 is located directly underneath lightsensor 320 and on the bottom portion of circuit board 300. Moreover,light sensor 330 is located on the top portion of circuit board 300 andlight sensor 385 is located directly underneath light sensor 330 and onthe bottom portion of circuit board 300. One of ordinary skill wouldappreciate that light sensors 320, 330, 380, and 385 may be located inany desired area of circuit board 300. For example, light sensors 320,330, 380, and 385 may be each located on the top portion of circuitboard 300 or the bottom portion of circuit board 300.

According to the above embodiment, the location of light sensors 320,330, 380, and 385 may provide for optimal light detection. According tothis embodiment, sensor device 100 thus includes four light sensorlenses 110, 120, 220, and 230 respectively connecting to sensors 320,330, 385, and 380. This provides for accurate detection of changes inthe amount of light in the package that houses sensor device 100. Aspreviously stated, sensor device 100 may be placed in a plurality oflocations within the package. It may also be placed between the contentof the package and one of the sides of the package. It may also beplaced under the content of the package. Therefore, by including fourlights sensors lenses and four corresponding light sensors, the locationof sensor device 100 within the package is not critical. Because sensordevice 100 includes four light sensors lenses and four light sensors,sensor device 100 may detect a change in the amount of light within thepackage regardless of the location of sensor device 100 in comparison tothe content of the package. This may result in greater detection oflight change and may also eliminate the need for the user of sensordevice 100 to place the device in a specific location of the package.

In operation, when sensor device 100 is turned on by pressing powerswitch 210, light sensors 320, 330, 380, and 385 may begin to sense achanges in light based, in accordance with a user configuration. Inaddition, sensor 310 may begin to sense a change in temperature and/orpressure, sensor 315 may begin to sense a change in temperature and/orhumidity, and accelerometer 390 may begin to sense acceleration. A userof sensor device 100 may program sensor device 100 to detect datahourly, daily, or at any other interval. For example, a user mayconfigure sensor device 100 to detect data at any set interval.

As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, low-power microprocessor 360 andhigh-power microprocessor 395 are located on opposite sides of circuitboard 300. One of ordinary skill would appreciate that low-powermicroprocessor 360 and high-power microprocessor 395 may be located inany desired location on circuit board 300. High-power microprocessor 395may be viewed as a master processor and low-power microprocessor 360 maybe viewed as a slave processor. Microprocessors 360 and 395 are coupledtogether in a master/slave relationship whereby control of sensor device100 may be shared between the two processors.

Microprocessors 360 and 395 may work together to operate sensor device100 based on the configuration data. High-power microprocessor 395 maycontrol high power functions of sensor device. These functions mayinclude network connectivity, transmitting and/or receiving, persistentstorage of recorded data, location data collection (e.g. GPS),high-level power management, and electronics diagnostics that mayconsume power resources. Low-power microprocessor 360 may control lowerpower functions. These functions may include sensor data collection,low-level power management, and low-power mesh networking transmittingand/or receiving. By way of example, an ultra, low-level powermanagement solution may involve shutting down the master (high-power)processor. In this case, a well-defined relationship is in place toensure that smooth transitions occur as management decisions are passedback and forth between microprocessors 360 and 395.

In addition, an Application Protocol Interface (API) may be used tosimplify the interaction between the master microprocessor 395 and slavemicroprocessor 360 and to aid in the sharing of data generated in orreceived by sensor 100. This API may be binary in nature and may havetwo main parts including, for example a header and a payload of data.The API header may consist of, for example, length, sequence, source,destination, and type data. The payload may be a flexible message thatdepends on what was captured at a point in time during operation ofsensor device 100.

The internal components of sensor device 100 may also includesubassemblies for processing, transmitting and/or receiving wirelesssignals (e.g. transmitter, receiver, and antenna). According to oneembodiment, sensor device 100 may support modules for two wirelessprotocols (not shown). These protocols may support Global System forMobile (GSM) wireless communications in the range of about 850 to about1900 MHz and low-power mesh networking in the 2.4 GHz range. One modulemay located on top of circuit board 300 and the other may located on thebottom of circuit board 300. One of ordinary skill would appreciate thatthe location of the support modules may be modified. Both modules may beoperatively coupled to circuit board 300 and its various components.Although not shown, sensor device 100 may also include components forsupporting Bluetooth, WiFi, and ZigBee communication.

Sensor device 100 is configured according to operation need. By way ofexample, the sensor device 100 may be configured to collectenvironmental, security and/or location-based data continuously or atdesired intervals. Configuration of data collection and/or reporting mayhave a direct impact on sensor device 100 power management. For example,there may be operational trade-offs depending on how sensor device 100is configured, location-based (GPS) services, and other points ofinterest. Once sensor device 100 receives an operating scenario (e.g.from tracking center 406 in FIG. 6), sensor device 100 may be associatedwith a package for tracking. Sensor device 100 may transmit data to ahost system (e.g. tracking center 406 in FIG. 6). If sensor device 100cannot establish a wireless network connection, sensor device 100 mayrecord the data to persistent storage in, for example, memory ofhigh-power microprocessor 395. Once a wireless connection isestablished, the recorded data is transmitted to tracking center 406 andmay be removed from storage. This repetitive pattern is followed untiltracking of the package is complete. For example, sensor device 100 maychoose to turn itself off when tracking is completed.

Sensor device 100 may also be configured to minimize the overall powerusage to extend the battery life of the device. For example, if sensordevice 100 is placed in a package that will be stored in a warehouse forseveral weeks before shipment, it is important that sensor device 100has the ability to provide data to tracking center 406 for an extendedperiod of time. Therefore, sensor device 100 may be configured to turnoff any combination of the GPS antenna 340, SIM card 350, low-powermicroprocessor 360, GSM antenna 370, and high-power microprocessor 395to extend the battery life.

According to the above example, sensor device 100 may turn off GPSantenna 340, SIM card 350, GSM antenna 370, and high-powermicroprocessor 395. Even though these elements are off, sensor device100 may continue to sense changes in, for example, light, temperature,pressure, humidity, and/or acceleration, and sensor device 100 maycontinue to report this information at predetermined intervals tolow-power microcontroller 360. If an event occurs, such as sensor device100 begins to move, accelerometer 390 may sense this change, report theinformation to low-power microcontroller 360, and sensor device 100 mayselectively turn on one or more of the elements that were previouslyturned off. Likewise, sensor device 100 may selectively turn on one ormore of the elements that were previously turned off based on a changein light, temperature, pressure, and/or humidity.

Computing System

By way of a non-limiting example, FIG. 6 illustrates a system 400 inwhich the features and principles of the present invention may beimplemented. The number of components in system 400 is not limited towhat is shown and other variations in the number of arrangements ofcomponents are possible, consistent with embodiments of the invention.The components of FIG. 4 may be implemented through hardware, software,and/or firmware. System 400 may include a sensor device 402 (whichcorresponds to sensor device 100 in FIG. 1), a client 404, a trackingcenter 406, and a network 408.

Network 408 provides communications between the various entitiesdepicted in system 400. Network 408 may be a shared, public, or privatenetwork and encompass a wide area or local area. Network 408 may beimplemented through any suitable combination of wired and/or wirelesscommunication networks (including Wi-Fi networks, GSM/GPRS networks,TDMA networks, CDMA networks, Bluetooth networks, or any other wirelessnetworks). By way of example, network 408 be implemented through a widearea network (WAN), local area network (LAN), an intranet and/or theInternet. Further, the entities of system 400 may be connected tomultiple networks 408, such as, for example, to a wireless carriernetwork, a private data network and the public Internet.

Sensor device 402 may be a device for use in tracking various items, andmay be attached to or included in the items that are to be tracked. Forexample, sensor device 402 may be attached to or enclosed in a packagethat is being sent to a recipient using a delivery service such asFederal Express Corporation, (“FedEx”). Alternatively, sensor device 402may be attached to or enclosed in a container holding inventory beingdelivered to a retailer. The aforementioned items are exemplary and maycomprise any deliverable elements.

Sensor device 402 may store information associated with an item trackingnumber for a corresponding item. The item tracking number may be a FedExtracking number or similar tracking number. In one embodiment, sensordevice 402 may be capable of measuring or detecting one or moreconditions such as location, temperature, acceleration, light level,motion, pressure, humidity, gas level, airflow, vibrations, or otherenvironmental conditions. Sensor device 402 may also have the ability todirectly transmit and receive information to/from tracking center 406via network 408 (e.g., using known wireless communications means).

Tracking center 406 may provide a platform for tracking items beingdelivered to a recipient. Tracking center 406 may be implemented using acombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware, and may be operableto receive and store sensor data from sensor device 402. For example,sensor device 402 may periodically send tracking center 406 sensor datareflecting conditions measured or detected by sensor device 402. Suchsensor data may include location, temperature, acceleration, lightlevel, motion, pressure, humidity, gas level, airflow, vibrations, orother environmental conditions.

Tracking center 406 is also operable to respond to requests for sensordata. For example, a customer may use client 404 to enter a request forsensor data stored at tracking center 406. The request may include oneor more triggering parameters, which can be used to find the requestedsensor data. Exemplary triggering parameters may include a sensoridentification number, item tracking number, location, temperature,acceleration, light level, humidity, pressure, gas level, airflow,vibrations, etc. Accordingly, by way of example, a customer may requesttemperature measurements within a certain range of a specific location.The distance from the specific location is the triggering parameter inthat case.

When tracking center 406 receives a request for sensor data from aclient 408, tracking center 406 may search a database resident attracking center 406 and return the requested sensor data, if found.Access to the sensor data may be managed or open. For example, if accessis managed, client 408 and/or the customer would need to beauthenticated before sensor data is made available to client 408 and/orthe customer. In addition to or instead of searching a database forsensor data, tracking center 406 may request sensor data directly fromsensor device 402.

Tracking center 406 may also provide updated and/or new programming toprovide configuration of sensor device 402. For example, programming mayspecify the manner in which a device senses environmental conditions.Programming of sensor device 402 may be altered, for example, by storingnew or modified instructions in a memory (not shown) located in sensordevice 402. Programming changes may be made arbitrarily (e.g., at thediscretion of a programmer) or in response to a detected condition. Forexample, suppose sensor device 402 detects a temperature above apredetermined level. When sensor device 402 reports the temperature totracking center 406, an alarm or alert may be triggered to bring thisinformation to the attention of personnel associated with trackingcenter 406. Tracking center 406, in turn, may alter the programming ofsensor device 402 to check the temperature more frequently. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other parameters can beused as the basis for altering programming.

Moreover, sensor device 402 may be preconfigured to determineprogramming changes without receiving instructions from tracking center406. For example, if sensor device 402 determines that the temperatureof the device has reached a predetermined threshold, sensor device 402may change the reporting frequency without first contacting trackingcenter 406 to receive a programming change to alter the reportingfrequency.

Client 404 provides users with an interface to network 408. By way ofexample, client 404 may be implemented using any device capable ofaccessing a data network, such as a general purpose computer or personalcomputer equipped with a modem or other network interface. Client 404may also be implemented in other devices, such as a Blackberry™, ErgoAudrey™, mobile phones (with data access functions), Personal DigitalAssistant (“PDA”) with a network connection, IP telephony phone, orgenerally any device capable of communicating over a data network.

Client 404 may be utilized by users to request sensor data from trackingcenter 406. For example, a user may subscribe to a service that allowsthe user to access up-to-date information about one or more sensors.Alternatively, a subscription to a service is not necessary to accessthe information. In order to request sensor data, the user may enterinformation on client 404 indicative of the desired sensor data. Forexample, the user may enter information requesting the current locationand temperature of all sensors within a certain radius of a specifiedsensor. After the customer enters this information, client 404 may senda request to tracking center 104, which in turn may search its databaseor request the information directly from the sensors. When trackingcenter 406 finds the requested information, it may send the informationback to client 404. As illustrated in FIG. 4, one sensor device 402 andone client 406 may be connected to network 408. However, one of ordinaryskill would appreciate that more than one sensor device and more thanone client may be connected to network 408.

Flowchart

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart 500 of an exemplary method for trackingitems, consistent with the principles of the present invention. Althoughthe steps of the flowchart are described in a particular order, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may be performed ina modified or different order, or that certain steps may be omitted.Further, one or more of the steps in FIG. 5 may be performedconcurrently or in parallel.

Sensor device 100 is configured based on the requirements of a shipper(step 510). For example, a party may require specific programming(specifying, for example, the manner in which a device detectsenvironmental conditions) for sensor device 100 are to be associatedwith items to be sent to recipients. Alternatively, sensor device 100may be configured based on default programming. A shipper who desires tosend an item to a recipient may purchase or otherwise acquire sensordevice 100 to be attached to or placed in an item to be shipped. Ashipper, for example, may be an item delivery company such as FedEx, aretailer, or a manufacturer that makes its own deliveries. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is possible that thecustomer and the shipper are the same entity.

Sensor device 100 may be activated and associated with the item(s) beingshipped (step 520). For example, a courier or other employee of theshipper may turn sensor device 100 on and place it in or attach it topackaging associated with a corresponding item. The courier or otheremployee may also associate sensor device 100 with an item trackingnumber. For example, the courier or other employee may cause informationto be stored at tracking center 104 that specifies that the itemtracking number is currently assigned to an identification number forthe item tracking device. Alternatively, no item tracking number isassociated with sensor device 100.

As noted above with reference to FIGS. 2-5, sensor device 100 mayinclude a plurality of sensors that measure or detect one or moreconditions such as location, temperature, light level, motion, pressure,humidity, gas level, airflow, vibrations, or other environmentalconditions. Sensor device 100 that includes such sensors periodicallyreport sensor data to tracking center 104 (step 530).

When tracking center 406 receives sensor data, if that data isindicative of a predetermined condition, tracking center 406 may triggeran appropriate alarm (step 540). For example, suppose sensor device 100detects a temperature above a certain level. When sensor device 100reports the temperature level to tracking center 406, an alarm or alertmay be triggered to bring this information to the attention of personnelassociated with tracking center 406. Personnel may then monitor thesituation more closely or take another appropriate action. Alternativelyor additionally, the pertinent courier or other party may be notified ofthe alarm condition via sensor device 100.

Tracking center 406 may also alter the programming of sensor device 100if necessary or desired (step 550). In the example of sensor device 100detecting a temperature above a certain level, tracking center 406 may,in turn, alter the programming of sensor device 100 to check thetemperature more frequently. Alternatively, sensor device 100 may bepreconfigured to determine programming changes without receivinginstructions from tracking center 406. For example, if sensor device 100determines that the temperature of the device has reached apredetermined threshold, sensor device 100 may change the reportingfrequency without first contacting tracking center 406 to receive aprogramming change to alter the reporting frequency.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other parameterscan be used as the basis for altering programming. Moreover, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that programming may bealtered for reasons other than the detection of predeterminedconditions, and that the programming of the aforementioned devices maybe altered without the intervention of tracking center 406.

Finally, when an item reaches its final destination (e.g., delivered tothe recipient), the courier removes and may deactivate sensor device 100(step 560).

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have beendescribed, other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. Furthermore,although embodiments of the present invention have been described asbeing associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums,one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also bestored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such assecondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM,or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the steps of the disclosedmethods may be modified in various ways, including by reordering stepsand/or inserting or deleting steps, without departing from theprinciples of the invention.

Several different embodiment of sensor device 100 may exist. Forexample, although one embodiment includes a wireless module thatcombines GPS and GSM technologies, the two may be separated within thesensor device 100 or not included. In addition, the above embodimentsmay also apply to other electronic devices such as RFID tags, smart dustmotes, smart phones, and accessories for these devices.

It is intended, therefore, that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the following claims and their full scopeof equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A package tracking device that detects lightexternal to the device, comprising: a light sensor; a first lens at afirst location configured to receive light external to the device; asecond lens, at a second location that is different from the firstlocation, configured to receive light external to the device such thatthe light sensor detects light external to the device regardless of aposition of the device in a package; and a memory configured to storeinformation associated with light detected by the device.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the first location and the second location are ondifferent sides of the device.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein theposition of the device in the package comprises an orientation of thedevice in the package.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the position ofthe device in the package comprises a location of the device incomparison to contents of the package.
 5. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a second light sensor, wherein the light sensor is coupled tothe first light sensor lens and the second light sensor is coupled tothe second light sensor lens.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein at leastone of the light sensor or the second light sensor is configured todetect changes in an amount of light within the package.
 7. The deviceof claim 5, further comprising: a third lens configured to receive lightexternal to the device and coupled to a third light sensor; and a fourthlens configured to receive light external to the device and coupled to afourth light sensor.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein at least one ofthe light sensor, the second light sensor, the third light sensor, orthe fourth light sensor is configured to detect changes in an amount oflight within the package.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:a sensor configured to detect at least one of temperature, pressure, orhumidity associated with the package.
 10. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: an accelerometer configured to detect a change in thevelocity of the device.
 11. A computer-implemented method for detectinglight external to a package tracking device, the method comprising thesteps of: receiving, at a first lens of the device, light external tothe device; receiving, at a second lens of the device, light external tothe device, wherein the second light sensor lens is located at a secondlocation that is different from a first location of the first lightsensor lens; detecting, using a light sensor, light external to thedevice regardless of a position of the device in a package; and storing,at a memory of the device, information associated with light detected bythe device.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first location andthe second location are on different sides of the device.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the position of the device in the package comprisesan orientation of the device in the package.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the position of the device in the package comprises a locationof the device in comparison to contents of the package.
 15. The methodof claim 11, wherein the first lens is coupled to the light sensor andthe second lens is coupled to a second light sensor.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein upon receiving light external to the device at thefirst lens or at the second lens, the method further comprises the stepof: detecting changes in an amount of light within the package by atleast one of the light sensor or the second light sensor.
 17. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: receiving, at a third lens of thedevice, light external to the device; and receiving, at a fourth lens ofthe device, light external to the device.
 18. The method of cairn 17,wherein the third lens is coupled to a third light sensor and the fourthlens is coupled to a fourth light sensor.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein upon receiving light external to the device at at least one ofthe first lens, the second lens, the third lens or the fourth lens, themethod further comprises the step of: detecting changes in an amount oflight within the package by at least one of the light sensor, the secondlight sensor, the third light sensor, or the fourth light sensor. 20.The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting, by a sensor ofthe device, at least one of temperature, pressure, or humidityassociated with the package.
 21. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: detecting, by an accelerometer of the device, a change inthe velocity of the device.